Plea to Argos over ‘tiny’ rabbit hutches

An animal welfare group is urging a leading retailer in Reading to review the size of its rabbit hutches.

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) is asking Argos – which has branches in Broad Street Mall, Forbury Retail Park and Crockhamhwell Road, Woodley – to reconsider the size of all its hutches.

Rae Todd, RWAF chief executive officer, said: “One of the hutches is a tiny 77cms long, yet it is described as allowing a rabbit to stretch and run freely.

“There is no way a rabbit could run freely in that space and we feel Argos are deliberately misleading their customers.”

She added: “We did try and speak to Argos directly but the product buyer would not take our call.”

RWAF wants all pet rabbits to live in neutered pairs in spacious accommodation with the opportunity to exercise every day.

RWAF said any rabbit kept alone in a small hutch and unable to exercise is likely to suffer health issues such as skeletal problems.

Behavioural problems like bar-biting and fur-chewing can also happen in a confined space.

RWAF said none of the hutches on sale at Argos met its 6ft x 2ft x 2ft recommended size.

It wants Argos and other major retailers to lead the way by reviewing their range of hutches and runs.

A spokesman for Argos said: “Home Retail Group, of which Argos is part, is committed to being a responsible retailer.

“Our policy is to ensure our products are produced to appropriate welfare standards and will not cause harm or injury to animals through normal use or foreseeable misuse.

“We take our customers’ concerns very seriously and we are investigating the points raised.”